I started out as a broadcast journalist, but fate took its course when I literally fell in love at first sight with my husband of 33 years. I then taught school, of various subjects and age groups and now write about food, health, humor and life.

Friday, January 26, 2007

What's in a Name?

Everything we are can be summed up by what others call us-good bad or indifferent. Some titles we earn, some we are born or have bestowed upon us by simply just being.

This week I've been thinking a lot about a new little guy's name. I've also been thinking a lot about all of mine.

The moment of my birth, I obviously became Carine. I also received the monikers of daughter and granddaughter. I've never had the honor of being a niece or a cousin. Luckily, I am a sister. Then there were the "me" years-teacher, on-air newscaster, dancer. After those years-wife, mother, aunt, sister-in-law.

Somehow, my names/titles keep growing, in a very good way! For a while, I was a business owner, supervisor-I was happy to put those aside.

A few years ago, a wonderful young man entered my daughter's life and added mother-in-law to my list. I hope I am one that is appreciated and not avoided, I assure anyone who is reading this, I make a real effort at not being the stereo-typical!

Thursday the young man and my first born gave me the honor of adding grandma to my list.

GRANDMA

Wow, I've had 8 months of preparation and yet it didn't really hit until 8:45 this morning as I was on my way to my day job. Must have been quite the site for people driving near me! There I was bawling my head off. Crying about being happy that our daughter was doing well, that the baby had the heat lamps turned off and was drinking from a bottle on his own. Crying because I was thankful I did not look like what I thought a grandma should look like! Mom, close your eyes, because you certainly do not look like this either! For some reason I think of Dorothy's Auntie Em when I think of grandmothers. I don't know why!

Several people told me I'd find this "name" the easiest--I totally beg to differ! As my handsome husband and I sat there waiting for updates, all of my titles were on the edge of an exhausting journey.

As a mom, I was worried about my baby. She had been having complications of the serious kind throughout the eight months. Due to the complications we were worried about our grandson. We were very good. Our daughter's nurse thanked us profusely for staying out of their way so they could focus on taking care of the business at hand. I, in turn, thanked them for doing just that-otherwise, curtains! Thankfully, the hospital staff did an excellent job because all three are doing very well.

Now my daughter and son-in-law are on their way home, no long a couple. They are a family. With brand new titles themselves.

Eight months ago, the arrival of this event was very unreal. Today, here I am writing about what's in a name that makes you look at yourself differently. As well as how others look at you.As I walked outside my office to get an hourly report from my son-in-law, people in the area I work yelled out "Hi Grandma!" I waved back with a huge grin and a light heart.

Carine, congratulations to you, your husband and of course your daughter and son in law on the arrival of the little bundle...may God bless him and you all! enjoy him...babies do grow up so fast that you do not want to miss out on anything!!

Congratulations! I've had so many title's in my life,,,,but right now,,,'Nanny' is the most precious.I don't feel like a grandma,,,,,as I take care of my grandkids 24/7,,,more like a special parent.They keep me young and make me laugh!You will have so many wonderful years with Dylan., now wipe that grin off your face!

Dear Carine, Congratulations on the birth of a grandson. He will be so much fun, you'll wonder why you didn't have grandchildren first! I don't know where to go to see pictures of this bundle of joy. I worked the last nine years of my nursing career in maternity and I never ceased to be thrilled by the new life entering the world. Dylan got lucky when he got you as a "mamaw".

thank you Kacey! we haven't posted any pictures. mainly because I am such a technodweeb. that's also the reason I do not list links to other blogs-summer tried her best, but I simply can't get them on here! oh to be more mechanically inclined!!!

Ok, let's try this again (I have such trouble posting comments since I switched to a Google account)!

Congratulations and many, many blessings to you and your family!! Now you get to enjoy all of the precious moments of caring for a little one...and having the priveledge of turning him back over to the parents and getting a good night's sleep!!

About Me

I've always wanted to be a writer, so I'm doing that now! I started out doing broadcast journalism, fell in love at first sight and got married. I put aside my journalism career to raise our family and run a pre-school and day care business. After our kids were officially out of school-I decided to start free-lancing again. Much easier but less financially pleasing with the internet.

Hoping to be able to make a permanent go of writing, since I love the written word and the reaction it still gets.